About this topic
Tuberculosis is also called TB. It is an illness caused by germs that most often affect the lungs. TB can be cured and prevented. You can catch TB from anyone who is sick with TB. It spreads through the air. The TB germs travel in tiny drops of fluid that are sprayed from the mouth and nose when the person coughs or sneezes. You can breathe in the tiny drops and the germs. Then, you become infected as well. ‚
TB can be treated. You must take a few drugs for a period of time. It is important that you take all the drugs as ordered. If you only take some of them, you may develop a kind of TB that is resistant to drugs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Do not stop taking your drugs until you have finished all of them.
- Your doctor will teach you some deep breathing exercises.
- Use a humidifier to moisten the air.
- Talk to your doctor about how long you are able to spread the TB infection. Wear a face mask thick enough to prevent your saliva from getting out when you sneeze or cough. This is important while you are able to spread the disease.
- Cover your nose and mouth with the back of your hand when you sneeze or cough.
- Rest when you feel weak.
- Quit smoking. Stay away from people who smoke. Both of these may help with coughing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Relieve cough
- Get rid of mucus
- Help you breathe
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- More sputum or change in color of sputum
- Breathing problems
- Sweating at night
- Cough that does not go away
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fast heartbeat
- You have a lot of problems breathing when you lie flat in bed
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you ways to help prevent this infection.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, trouble breathing, or a cough that does not go away.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/tuberculosis-tuberculose_e.php ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/treatment.printerview.all.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/tuberculosis.html# ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/361/viewAbstract ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs104/en/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚